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In Focus

August 2023

News from the BSBP Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL)
702 W. Kalamazoo Street
PO Box 30007
Lansing, MI 48909

BTBL Office Move 

While our mailing address remains the same, BTBL has recently made an exciting move within our existing building, and we can’t wait to show it off! Due to our new circulation model, called duplication on demand, we no longer needed a large warehouse area to store single-book cartridges. An opportunity to remodel that old, unused storage space into a functional shared office with other Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Lansing staff presented itself, and BTBL jumped at the opportunity! Fast forward over a year later and we have finally moved into our new offices.

If you ever visited us in the past, you will be familiar with the location of our lobby. The new office space, including an accessible technology lab and conference room, is accessed through the lobby door. The lobby itself has undergone some major renovations as well. Gone is the old, unused reference desk space. Now as you walk in there is a comfortable sitting area, four public workstation stalls, and the new recording booth. This area can be accessed by the public by appointment only, so please call ahead to schedule a time to visit if you plan to stop by.

As final touches are made to the new space, we are busy planning an Open House event for this Fall. More details will be shared via our patron listserv, so if you have an email address and would like updates, please contact the library at 1-800-992-9012 and ask to be added to the list.

Adaptive Technology Corner

Tech Tidbit Tuesdays

Tech Tidbit Tuesday is off to a great start! We have already done presentations on a variety of topics, from currency readers, to BARD searching, to the Seeing AI app. These short 20-minute presentations of tech topics take place on Zoom on the last Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.: https://bit.ly/3KDjHv1

Join us for our upcoming sessions! August will have BTBL Adaptive Technology Librarian, Meagan Daniels, presenting on Bookshare. We follow that up in September with BTBL Manager, Scott Norris, and his overview of the new braille e-reader which is now available from the library. In October, we are putting you on the spot with Patron Tech Spotlight where you share your favorite technology that you use frequently to get things done. Just in time for all your holiday baking, November’s session will feature using Amazon Echo Show for recipes. Lastly, prepare for your New Year’s resolutions with December’s presentation on exercise technology.

We would love to hear from patrons to find out what you would like to learn in upcoming sessions. Please contact the library at 1-800-992-9012 or email Bridgid directly at turnerb9@michigan.gov

BARD Updates for iOS and Android

In June, NLS released a new version of the BARD Mobile app for iOS. Version 2.2.1 makes it possible for patrons to reset their BARD passwords from within the app. To reset your password from within the app,
1. Go to the Settings Tab in BARD Mobile.
2. Tap User Account Settings.
3. Tap BARD Account plus your email address
4. Tap Reset Password.

NLS has also released a new updated version of BARD Mobile for Android, version 2.0. One of the main changes is that you can now search within the app instead of having to go to the BARD website, put a book on your wish list, and then go back to the app and download the book off your wish list. This means that users won’t see the BARD website in the App. Using the search box above the wish list will now search the entire BARD collection. Also, BARD can be searched by using keyword, author, title, or annotation. From these search results, books can be download directly to the patron’s device. Finally, searches will include results from the NLS music collection.

BTBL Calendar 

BTBL Club Info

Clubs are currently virtual only. Technology and Book Club meet the second Saturday of the month at 10:30 and 1:30, respectively. Club dates are always subject to change, especially around the holidays.

Join BTBL Tech and Book Club via Zoom: https://bit.ly/36vEPld

To join by phone, dial: 929-205-6099

Meeting ID: 951 928 2886, Meeting Password: 528260

BTBL Calendar of Events:

Aug 29: Tech Tidbit Tuesday, BTBL virtual patron program (more info on page 3, along with future topics/dates)

Sept 9: Technology Club – Smart TVs and TV Streaming services presented by Ather Jammoa

Sept 9: Book Club – Book Smackdown, talk about a book you read over the summer

Oct 14: Technology Club – iOS update and a look at Android presented by Al Puzzuoli and Meagan Daniels

Oct 14: Book Club– To Be Announced

Oct 19: Consumer Involvement Committee (CIC) Meeting – This call is open to all patrons. We encourage your participation! Use the dial in information listed above, and join us from 1-2:30 p.m.

Nov 18: Technology Club – Holiday shopping presented by JJ Meddaugh of A T Guys

Nov 18: Book Club– To Be Announced

TBA: NLS Programming- Many Faces of BARD and Patron Corner – Join the NLS-PATRONANNOUNCE list to get emailed updates (info on page 4.)

BTBL News Summer Reading – ‘All Together Now’ a Big Success For the first time, Michigan opened summer reading up to adults as well as youth. Also new this year, NLS hosted virtual programming for all ages, including author talks and dance parties. These exciting changes meant that forty-five individual patrons, two summer camp classes, and even more virtual program attendees were all able to enjoy summer with fun programming and reading opportunities! Thank you to everyone who participated to make this program a success. A special thanks also goes out to all the patrons and staff that finished the CD weaving craft to help create our community art piece (pictured below). Photo caption: The individual CD weavings submitted by patrons and staff hang from two wooden dowels which are offset on a wall in the BTBL lobby. The 22 CDs are created with a colorful assortment of yarn so each weaving is completely unique.

BTBL Staff Member Interviewed for CATA

Long time Machine Technician, Bob Blakes, recently provided a testimonial for the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA). As a fulltime staff member of the library, Bob works as our machine repair technician fixing up those broken DTBMs. If you’ve ever sent a player back in the mail, it likely landed on Bob’s desk for repair.  

Bob has used CATA for transportation to and from the library since the early 1990s after losing his sight in his early twenties due to glaucoma.  Bob relies on CATA service to get where he needs to go. In the interview Bob said if not for CATA, his life would be very difficult. For the full interview, go to:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXZrf1vDbnE

We want to thank Bob for his 31 years of service to the library!

NLS Patron Listserv

Would you like to be emailed directly with updates and reminders regarding NLS events, such as The Many Faces of BARD and the Patron Corner Zoom programs? To be added to the NLS-PATRONANNOUNCE list to receive reminders and updates regarding these offerings directly from NLS, email NLSPES@loc.gov asking to be added. Or, contact the library for assistance. 

BTBL Book Buzz

Have you heard of our new BTBL Book Buzz lists? Each month a new list of librarian-selected books is emailed out to our patron listserv based on a theme selected specifically for that month. The books featured are an interesting mix of old and new, fiction and non-fiction, local recordings and NLS produced materials. Back issues of the book lists can also be viewed on the New & Events page of our website (www.michigan.gov/btbl). If you would like to receive future issues of this book list directly, please contact the library at btbl@michigan.gov or 1-800-992-9012 to be added to the email list. We hope you find your next great read with Book Buzz!

Get to know the NLS Music Collection

The NLS Music Section is home to the world’s largest collection of accessible music scores for a variety of instruments across nearly every genre. It also offers a wide selection of music instruction and appreciation materials for beginners and experienced musicians alike. Learn more about the collection at www.loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/music-materials.

Outreach: BTBL on the Road

As always, BTBL staff have been busy spreading the word about our service in communities all over Michigan! From BSBP Mini-Adjustments to Area Agencies on Aging presentations - From the Lansing Area Veterans Coalition Resource Fair to school staff trainings - From summer camps for the visually impaired to public libraries- BTBL has been working hard to reach more qualifying individuals. And the good news is, you can help!

You likely know someone that qualifies for our service and don’t even realize it.  Anyone with a print disability can receive our free service. Do you know someone who:

• Needs Large Print?
• Had a stroke or debilitating health event?
• Has a reading disability?
• Has Parkinson’s Disease, tremors, arthritis, etc., that affects hand movement?

In addition, BTBL and our Advisory and Outreach locations are always looking for more opportunities to introduce people to our service. If you are a part of a group that has a newsletter, listserv, community event, or other outreach opportunity that you would like to partner on, please contact the library at 1-800-992-9012.

Popular BARD Books

BARD features a “Most popular books” section for both braille and audio books where it lists the most downloaded books from the past 30 days. In the mobile App, this option is found on the Get Books tab. On the website, it is on the BARD main page, second link down. Below are a few options currently featured. Non-BARD users can still call to request these titles on cartridge through the mail!

Audio Fiction
DB113453 - Logan's Run by William F Nolan. Science Fiction

DB114391 - Trackers by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. Suspense Fiction, Science Fiction, Adventure

DB113061 - Tease by Melanie Harlow. Romance

DB113222 - Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling. Family

DB110596 - Mad Honey: a novel by Jodi Picoult. Family, Bestsellers, Legal Fiction

DB112562 - Summer Love: a novel by Nancy Thayer. Friendship Fiction, Growing Up, Human Relations, Family

Audio NonFiction
DB112934 - Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball. Stage and Screen, Biography of Entertainers, Biography

DB113965 - The Wager: a tale of shipwreck, mutiny and murder by David Grann. True Crime, Bestsellers

DB113223 - Chicken Soup for the Soul: Random acts of kindness : 101 stories of compassion and paying it forward by Amy Newmark. Philosophy

DB114005 - Outlive: the science & art of longevity by Peter Attia. Health and Medicine, Bestsellers

Braille Fiction
BR24606 - Lost and Found: a novel by Danielle Steel. Humor, Unified English Braille, Romance

BR24569 - Lucy by the Sea: a novel by Elizabeth Strout. Friendship Fiction, Unified English Braille, Human Relations, General, Psychological Fiction, Medical Fiction

BR24678 - Unholy Dying: a crime novel by Robert Barnard. Mystery and Detective Stories, Unified English Braille

BR24688 - Love and Lavender by Josi S. Kilpack. Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Unified English Braille, Romance

BRG04311 - An Ocean of Minutes by Thea Lim. Science Fiction, Unified English Braille

Braille Nonfiction
BR24622 - Milo's Eyes: how a blind equestrian and her "seeing eye horse" rescued each other by Lissa Bachner. Sports and Recreation, Biography, Unified English Braille, Animals and Wildlife

BRE00095 - The ABCs of UEB: a guide for the transition from English Braille American Edition (EBAE) to the rules of Unified English Braille (UEB) by Constance Risjord. Unified English Braille, Braille Manuals

BRC01959 - NLS braille eReader HumanWare user guide by Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. Computers, Disability, General

BR13478 - Cooking Without Looking: Food preparation methods and techniques for visually handicapped homemakers by Esther Knudson Tipps. Disability, Cooking

BR14828 - The Bible: Authorized King James Version by Robert P. Carroll and Stephen Prickett. Religion

*Note- These braille books can be downloaded directly from BARD to the new eReader, a 20 cell refreshable braille display available for free to BTBL patrons. Or, we can download the braille book files onto a cartridge to be used with the eReader and send it thorugh the mail. If you are a braille reader and would like to try the new eReader, please call the the library.

BTBL Staff Picks

DBG 04363 - Fair Wind and Plenty Of It: A modern-day tall ship adventure by Rigel Crockett. On November 25, 1997, the barque Picton Castle, a three-masted, square-rigged tall ship, headed out from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, on a voyage around the world. Captain Dan Moreland, driven by a desire to make his mark in the world of traditional sailing, rallied forces to convert a 69-year-old North Sea trawler into a seaworthy tall ship, and then assembled the crew to sail it. The author took part in the voyage and tells a tale of shipboard camaraderie, gut-wrenching struggles, and the near mutinies that marked the year-and-a-half journey. 2004. Unrated. Marrakesh title.

“This book follows the ship Picton Castle, through the eyes of one of the crew, around the world in its first circumnavigation. It is filled with fun adventures and interesting descriptions of the ship and the voyage.  This one really appealed to me because I used to work on a tall ship but in the Great Lakes and I wonder what it would have been like to take that career further.” – Bridgid, BTBL Librarian

DB 96161 - The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator by Timothy C Winegard, read by Mark Deakins. Historian examines the role of the mosquito in human history. Discusses mosquito-transmitted diseases, the part mosquitos played in the fall of empires, and the ways they affected the development of colonialism through slavery and wars. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2019.

“I had no idea how influential the mosquito has been throughout our history. Often battles and wars were not won by the greater army, but the one that either avoided the mosquito and its illnesses or had already built up some immunity to the local strains. The author asserts that almost half of all humans who ever lived died due to mosquitoes and the sickness they spread, and touches on lots of pivotal moments in human history that were swayed by this insect. Interesting stuff!” – Caitlin, BTBL Librarian

DB 92274 – Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge and the teachings of plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation argues that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgement and celebration of a reciprocal relationship with the world. Shares stories learned from her elders about the world around them and ways of approaching scientific inquiry. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2013.

“The author narrates this gem adding additional depth to an already inspiring book. It is mostly about the human relationship with earth and its environment, but I especially enjoyed her personal stories. I appreciated the science and indigenous history perspectives as well. The author offers hope and healing for our earth and its people.” - Betsie, BTBL Librarian 

DB 56238 – The Elvenbane by Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey. In a land where elven lords rule over human slaves, an exiled concubine gives birth to a halfblood daughter, Shana. The child possesses elven powers and is raised by dragons, who help her develop her sorcery. Prequel to Elvenblood (DB 56239). Some descriptions of sex and some violence. 1991.

“This is the first book of a series. I like the journey the main characters embark upon physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I also love the author’s detailed descriptions of locations in the book- it puts you right there alongside the character! So, if you love an intricate read with lots of character development and detailed descriptions, I recommend this book.” - Meagan, BTBL Librarian 

DB 103718 / BR 24103 – Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Ryland Grace awakens on a spaceship far from Earth with no memory and two dead crewmates. As he begins to remember the details of his impossible mission to try to save humanity from an extinction-level threat, he encounters an unexpected ally. Some strong language. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2021.

“Somehow, someway, Andy Weir makes science sound interesting. If you were to ask me before I'd say a science-y space drama was not my genre, but after this I think I’d read anything this author writes. Highly entertaining with realistic characters and a huge twist at the end.” – Stephanie, BTBL Librarian

Around the State

The following programs may be offered only to patrons within the counties served for each library location. To find out if a program is available to you, refer to the library listings on page 14 or call the location in question to verify.

Talking Book Library @ Traverse Area District Library
610 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686 • 1-877-931-8558

• Office Hours. We are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Support Groups.
  • The Traverse City Visually Impaired Persons group meets monthly. Contact Melinda Hollands at 231-590-0986 or mlhollandstc@gmail.com.
  • The Cadillac Area Low Vision group has resumed meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at the Wexford County Council on Aging, 10-11 a.m. Contact Connie Payne at 231-779-0149.
• Book Group. Join us for Tuesdays @ Two book discussion the last Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. We meet in the McGuire Community Room at Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Ave. You may go to https://events.tadl.org/events/month to see what we will be reading.
• Magnifier Exchange. Do you have a clean, working magnifying device you no longer use? We are happy to accept donations of handheld magnifiers (at least 4x), digital CCTV readers (we cannot accept analog or CRT!), free-standing magnifiers etc. to pass along to other patrons who can use them, free of charge. Please call 231-932-8558 with questions or to coordinate a drop-off.
• World Sight Day. We are partnering with Munson Medical Center to present a program on diabetes. It will be on Thursday 10/12 (time to be announced)
• Holiday Party. Join us in December for our annual Holiday party! (Date to be announced).

Muskegon Area District Library for the Visually and Physically Disabled
4845 Airline Rd Unit 5, Muskegon MI 49444 • 1-877-569-4801

• New Remote Book Club. We have a new accessible book club called On the Same Page Book Club. Book discussion will be accessible via phone call or virtual login. For more information, contact us at 231-737-6310.
• Local Newsletter. The LVPD has our own local newsletter for our Talking Book patrons. It is available in large print and via email. If you would like to receive this and have not already, please let us know at 231-737-6310 or lvpd@madl.org.
• Support Groups. Check out our local low vision support groups, which all meet monthly. Please call 616-458-1187 with any questions.
  • Muskegon (In-person): 3rd Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at 560 Seminole Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444.
  • Ottawa (Phone): 2nd Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Call 701-801-6449

Talking Book Center @ Genesee District Library
G-4195 W Pasadena Ave, Flint, MI 48504 ∙ 1-866-732-1120

• NFB Meeting. Flint/Genesee Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. This group is growing and doing great things for the community.
• Contact Us. Please call or email the Talking Book Center for book requests and questions! Call 810-732-1120 or email tbc@thegdl.org for assistance.

Kent District Library Talking Book & Braille Center
814 West River Center Dr NE., Comstock Park, MI 49321 ∙ 1-616-784-2007

• Celebrating 50 years of service! Since 1973, we have the privilege of providing residents of Kent, Ionia, and Montcalm Counties with accessible reading materials through the National Library Service for the Blind & Print Disabled program. We want to feature impact stories from our TBBC patrons, both in print and on video, at KDL’s annual Libations Gala. The gala, which will be raising funds for the TBBC program will be held on Tuesday, September 19, at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids. For tickets and more information, visit kdl.org/literary-libations. If you would like to contribute an impact story or be part of the video creation, please call us at 616-784-2007 or email us at tbbcstaff@kdl.org.

Other Program Resources!

• GetSetUp. These classes are interactive, easy to join, offered day and night and free for Michigan residents 60 or over: www.getsetup.io/partner/michigan.
• Hadley. Check out their online offerings, including podcasts, workshops, and discussion groups at: https://hadley.edu/
• Braille Enhanced StoryWalks (BES). BES are laminated pictured books with braille overlay which are placed outdoor along a community walking path. BTBL and co-collaborators offer this program to public libraries with support in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
  Below are the libraries that have reserved a BES kit for late August and early September (dates/installation locations may vary, so reach out to the library directly with any questions). Go take a stroll and read a story!
  • Locations offering BES soon: Brandon Township Public Library - Briggs Public Library - Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library - Ray Township Public Library - Reed City Public Library - Cass District Library

Michigan Talking Book Libraries

Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Braille and Talking Book Library 1-800-992-9012
Counties served: Alcona, Allegan, Arenac, Barry, Bay, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Clinton, Eaton, Emmet, Gladwin, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Iosco, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lake, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Monroe, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Saint Joseph, Van Buren

Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled @ AADL 1-734-327- 4224 
Counties served: Washtenaw

Great Lakes Talking Books 1-800-562-8985
Counties served: Alger, Alpena, Baraga, Chippewa, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, Schoolcraft

Oakland Talking Book Service @ RHPL  1-800-774- 4542 
Counties served: Oakland

Genesee District Talking Book Center  1- 866-732-1120 
Counties served: Genesee

Kent District Library Talking Book and Braille Center  1-616-784-2007 
Counties served: Ionia, Kent, Montcalm

Traverse Area District Library & Talking Book Library 1- 877-931- 8558 
Counties served: Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Wexford

Library for Assistive Media and Talking Books (St. Clair County) 1- 800-272-8570 
Counties served: Huron, Saint Clair, Sanilac, Tuscola

Muskegon Area District Library for the Visually and Physically Disabled  1-231-737-6310, 1-877-569-4801 (Ottawa) 
Counties served: Muskegon, Ottawa

Macomb Library for the Blind and Print Disabled @ CMPL 1-586-286-1580 
Counties served: Macomb

Braille and Talking Books @ Taylor Community Library 1-734-287- 4840 
Serving Wayne County

Detroit Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped  1-313- 481-1702 
Serving cities of Detroit and Highland Park

Library of Michigan Foundation

By making a gift to the Library of Michigan Foundation, donors can help the BSBP Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) better serve thousands of Michigan residents statewide who are blind or print disabled. Donors may also opt to provide for the Library of Michigan Foundation in their wills. By doing so, donors can make a larger gift than what might be possible during their lifetime and become eligible to receive tax benefits. Please contact Rita LaMoreaux with any questions at 517-974-5523.

Donations can be made online at: https://donate-usa.keela.co/donation-form. Or checks can be made payable to the Library of Michigan Foundation with a note on the memo line “BTBL”, and mailed to the address listed below:

Library of Michigan Foundation
PO Box 11027
Lansing, MI 48901

The Library of Michigan Foundation is a non-profit organization which offers financial support to the BSBP Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) program.

If you would like to receive future mailings and information from the Library of Michigan Foundation, please contact the Foundation.

The Braille and Talking Book Library provides library services for individuals unable to use standard print materials. 

You may reach BTBL by:
Phone: 800-992-9012 (toll free)
Fax: 800-726-7323 (toll free)
Email: BTBL@michigan.gov
Web: Michigan.gov/BTBL
BARD: NLSBARD.loc.gov (to download digital books)

The In Focus newsletter is made possible by your generous donations to the Library of Michigan Foundation. The Braille and Talking Book Library is part of the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons.